Introduction
The ".NET Framework" and ".NET" (formerly known as ".NET Core") are two different implementations of the .NET platform, each serving different purposes and targeting different scenarios. However, they share a common lineage and are part of the broader .NET ecosystem.
![.NET and .NET Framework]()
Here's an overview of their relationship:
Common Lineage: Both the .NET Framework and .NET are part of the larger .NET ecosystem developed by Microsoft. They share core concepts, such as the Common Language Runtime (CLR), Base Class Library (BCL), and support for multiple programming languages.
Differences
- .NET Framework: The .NET Framework is the original implementation of the .NET platform, introduced in the early 2000s. It is primarily designed for building Windows-based applications, including desktop applications, web applications, and services. It includes libraries such as Windows Forms, ASP.NET Web Forms, and WPF.
- .NET (formerly .NET Core): .NET (or ".NET 5" and later versions) is a modern, cross-platform implementation of the .NET platform. It is designed to be lightweight, modular, and highly scalable, with support for building applications on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It includes libraries such as ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core, and ML.NET.
Evolution: The .NET Framework served as the foundation of the .NET platform for many years. However, as the computing landscape evolved, Microsoft introduced .NET Core as a modern and cross-platform alternative to address the limitations of the .NET Framework. In November 2020, Microsoft unified .NET Core, .NET Framework, and Xamarin into a single .NET platform, simply called ".NET."
Migration Path: While .NET Core and .NET Framework have different implementations, Microsoft has provided tools and guidance to help developers migrate their existing .NET Framework applications to .NET Core and, eventually, to .NET.
Summary
While the .NET Framework and .NET are different implementations of the .NET platform, they share a common lineage and are part of the broader .NET ecosystem.
The main relation between them is their shared heritage and their roles within the .NET ecosystem, with .NET representing the modern and cross-platform evolution of the platform.